Message from Congressman Scott Fitzgerald

Good afternoon, everyone, and happy Monday! 

I’m happy to report that the House recently passed H.R. 1048, the Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act. This legislation is a crucial step in safeguarding American higher education from foreign influence through increased transparency and stricter enforcement of reporting requirements for foreign gifts and funding received by U.S. colleges and universities.

Keep reading on to hear additional updates about what's been happening in Washington. I hope you have a great week.

-Scott

It’s Time for the CFPB to Stop Hurting Consumers and Small Businesses with Overregulation

The House Financial Services Committee last week held a hearing titled, “A New Era for the CFPB: Balancing Power and Reprioritizing Consumer Protections.” The hearing examined the current regulatory and legal landscape for federal consumer financial protection. The hearing also reviewed actions and proposals from the previous administration that limit choice and innovation in the market for consumer financial products and services.

During my committee remarks, I discussed how for years the CFPB has operated with significant regulatory power, and Director Chopra seemed to enjoy the havoc it created in the private sector—I’m convinced he saw it as part of his mission. While consumer protection is critical, the regulations are overly burdensome and are poorly analyzed, and end up reducing access to financial products.

2025 Congressional Art Competition WI-05

Each spring, the Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, recognizes and encourages the artistic talent of high school students throughout Wisconsin's 5th Congressional District. The Grand Prize-winning piece is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and its student artist will receive paid airfare for two to travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the national Congressional Art Competition winners' reception. The second- and third-place pieces will hang in my D.C. and district offices for the next year.

Deadline: Friday, April 11th at 5pm

Submissions: In person drop-off Monday–Friday between 8am–5pm at my district office. School pick-up/drop-off can be arranged in advance.

District Office Address:

175 E Wisconsin Ave
Suite H (2nd Floor)
Oconomowoc, WI 53066

You can access the necessary competition documents, rules, and forms by visiting the Congressional Art Competition webpage here.

If you have any questions, please contact my district office at (262) 784-1111.

Mike Duffey Senate Confirmation Hearing

Last week, I was proud to introduce my good friend and fellow Wisconsinite Mike Duffey for his confirmation hearing to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Expanding Access to Capital Across America

Recently, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing titled, "Beyond Silicon Valley: Expanding Access to Capital Across America." The hearing explored the role of capital markets in fueling economic growth by supporting companies at various stages, from early-stage startups to established publicly traded firms, while expanding investment opportunities for retail investors. The hearing also analyzed the effectiveness of past legislative efforts designed to lower regulatory burdens and improve capital access.

During my committee remarks, I discussed how expanding and diversifying the pool of accredited investors is essential to unlocking new funding opportunities—especially for entrepreneurs and small businesses across the country. Some current regulations continue to create unnecessary hurdles. It’s time to cut the red tape and ensure more innovators have access to the capital they need to succeed.

Constituent Services: SSA and What You Need to Know

New Identity Proofing Requirements – The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services as current protocol of simply asking identifying questions by telephone is no longer enough to prevent fraud. Approximately 40% of Social Security direct deposit fraud is associated with someone calling SSA to change direct deposit bank information. In-person identity proofing for people unable to use their personal my Social Security account for certain services will be effective April 14, 2025. Read more here.

Office Closures & Services – Despite rumors in the media, the Social Security Administration is not permanently closing local field offices. SSA works closely with local congressional delegations before closing any office permanently. The agency remains committed to serving the public both in person and online. If you need assistance, visit the SSA website to make an appointment here. Read more here. 

Resumption of Treasury Offset Program – After a pandemic-related pause, the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) is resuming collections. Since 1992, SSA has referred delinquent Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) debts to TOP as mandated by law. Read more here.

Get Copies of Tax Forms (1099/1042S) – The deadline to file taxes is quickly approaching on April 15, 2025. Download a copy of your SSA-1099 or 1042S tax form today using your personal my Social Security account here. Please note, most people get a copy in the mail. 

My office is here to help with federal agency issues, including Social Security. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my district office at (262) 784-1111 and visit my website here.

Social Media Highlight

That wraps the updates from this edition of my eNewsletter. Thanks for reading along!  

-Scott

That's a wrap for this week's eNewsletter! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up to date on my work for the 5th District of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Scott Fitzgerald
Member of Congress